Luke 12:42, commentary and pictures

The Lord appoints a faithful and wise steward as ruler over his household to give its members their portion of food at the right time. The household is God's people and church, and their portion is spiritual food, the Word of God and heavenly truth given through faithful teaching by precept and example. That food in due season is present truth, the truth specially applicable now, including the warning of Christ's coming, rightly divided with wisdom to meet varied minds and needs rather than given out of place. Christ appoints his ministers as stewards over his household to feed every person in a timely way, gaining fitness through experience, study of Scripture, and daily living union with Christ. Faithful stewards watch for their absent Lord's return not idly but by purifying their hearts and working earnestly, and all whom God trusts, with means, truth, family duty, and daily life, must use them unselfishly for others and give an account at his coming.

Steward, Household, and Portion

The question asks who is the faithful and wise steward whom the lord sets as ruler over his household to give its members their portion of food at the proper time. The steward is a household manager entrusted with responsibility for the master's household and charged with providing for its members, and the servant is called blessed if the lord returns and finds him doing that work. That feeding is done through faithful teaching by precept and example, with zeal guided by knowledge, attending diligently to life's duties and serving the Lord rather than idly waiting for Christ's return. Since Christ's coming is sudden and unexpected, the steward must remain ready and continue the entrusted work, and the faithful servant laboring in this way will be blessed when his lord returns. Faith is shown by works, and faithful labor blesses both those who are fed and the steward who serves, while greater responsibility brings greater accountability so that those who know their master's will but fail to do it receive greater punishment. Christ's ministers carry out this duty as shepherds feeding God's flock with nourishment suited to its need, and those who obey the principles of the light and opportunities they have received and walk according to that light will be recognized as faithful householders and entrusted to carry the message, taking the places of those who had greater light but proved unfaithful.

The household is God's people and church, and the portion of meat is spiritual food, the Word of God and heavenly truth given at the right time to each person according to need. Giving it requires rightly handling the word of truth in order to be qualified to meet varied needs, serving God's Word with earnest faith and love so that others can receive its truth and pass it on. Those entrusted with God's household have the solemn duty to feed the flock with the Bible's truth, providing food suited to the time in which they live and timely teaching that meets its wants. One filled with that treasure of the Word and heavenly truth is like a vessel able to share it with the people.

The lord is absent, having returned to heaven and left his work and interests in the charge of his followers, the same interests he came to this world to serve. They hold his goods as a sacred trust and must watch and wait for his appearing and be faithful, because he will come suddenly and must not find them sleeping. While the Lord is away his servants are to serve faithfully and wisely and remain constantly ready for a return that may come when they do not expect it, and when he comes his waiting people will not be living in conformity to the world but will be clothed in his righteousness. Every person is a steward with a God-given work who must bring eternity into reckoning and live for God every day, because no one knows when life closes and God comes requiring an account of stewardship. That faithfulness means discharging the duty to preach the gospel of the kingdom to all parts of the earth and to all peoples, tongues, and nations, hurrying because Christ comes after that worldwide witness is given. It means arousing to responsibility, putting away selfishness, refusing waste of money on adornment of the body and waste of time on self-serving since both can cost a soul, and using time to open the Bible to awaken perishing souls ready to die. Christ died so that every soul would become a missionary rather than leaving the burden on ministers, whose overwork comes from burdens others refuse to lift, and keeping the soul clean from all filthiness of flesh and spirit in holiness and fixing the eye on Christ above the benumbing and paralyzing temptations of the world enables that faithful stewardship. A steward is accountable for faithfully using entrusted responsibility and influence, so parents who leave the Christian education and training of their children to ministers or Sabbath-school teachers neglect their God-given trust and prove unfaithful, for which there is no excuse, and leading people to act contrary to the Lord's instructions makes a person an unfaithful steward subject to God's judgment unless he repents.

The owner's return brings an investigation of goods entrusted for a time as a test of fidelity, with God's reward for those who stand the test. Riches are entrusted for God's work and human need, not for needless display, extravagance, or self-gratification, and diverting them from human needs and God's work makes a person an unfaithful steward. Those in positions of authority over God's household who withhold the knowledge of God, decide what people may receive, take away the key of knowledge, or hinder people from receiving and entering are unfaithful stewards and will face judgment. Outward appearance of Christianity does not make them faithful, for God tests people to distinguish those who serve him from those who do not, and everyone in a responsible position should fear being found unfaithful.

Meat in Due Season

Meat in due season is present truth, the truth now specially applicable to this generation, above all the warning of Christ's second coming, just as Enoch, Abraham, and Moses each declared the truth for his own time. It is God's special work for this time, the grand work of seeking to save the lost, and earnest labor must be put forth even for ministers themselves, since they can obtain immortality only through faith and obedience to Jesus Christ. Giving it plainly with loving assurance rather than in an authoritative manner is what makes the steward faithful and wise.

Giving it requires rightly dividing the word of truth with wisdom to discern the most appropriate subject for the occasion, so as to meet the wants of many and varied minds. A true shepherd prepares and presents fitting spiritual food from Scripture according to the flock's needs, rather than offering an unsuitable subject. Arguing over points when it is out of place fails to give people their portion in due season, while teaching with good judgment and presenting truth simply, sincerely, and in its proper season gives each person the portion suited to them. Fitness for this work is gained by varied experience in extended labor in new fields among all classes of people, which drives the laborer to God and the Bible for light, strength, and knowledge.

It requires treating people differently according to experience, circumstances, and difficulties in their minds, rather than pressing the same demands on everyone. This discernment is learned through personal work among families, visits, watchful attention, help, encouragement, and prayer, especially for new converts, for a shepherd who does not visit the flock cannot know its condition or feed it wisely. The people need definite teaching about sin and its remedy from the Bible, not sermons alone nor an expectation that they will work out the Word for themselves. Feeding must be thorough, leading new believers and young disciples wisely and judiciously step by step onward and upward until every essential point is brought before them and nothing is kept back. Yet not all points are to be given in the first few meetings, but gradually and cautiously as hearers are ready, with the teacher's own heart imbued with the Spirit of God, since new believers are babes needing their portion suited to their stage of growth. The portion is the best truth now at hand, given without delay even if publications are not perfect, because time is short and waiting deprives those in the darkness of error; it is given not all at once but one ray after another, step by step, just what is needed to meet the present emergency. Right feeding also means giving people open to conviction the knowledge of truth they are crying for and dying for want of, and not spending precious time and strength dwelling at length on the slander, misrepresentation, and senseless quibbles of dishonest opponents.

It must be declared plainly and with assurance, in love and kindness, with the Holy Spirit giving force to the words, and with clear, simple gospel truth that enlightens the conscience, convicts and converts, and shows people what they must do to be saved. It requires discernment, patience, gentleness, kindness, self-control, and tact in rightly dividing the Word so as to give every person on every occasion what is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness. This means declaring the whole truth without shunning what will displease hearers, organizing practical plans for labor that help the church grow into active service, and not treating truth in a humorous style or substituting imaginative or favorite subjects that fail to nourish souls or lead them toward salvation. Harsh, indiscriminate treatment makes a person unfit to shepherd, and giving the flock falsehoods as if they were timely truth feeds them imaginary food and leaves them spiritually starved, weakened, and in danger of death.

The feeding is done by preaching the Word and providing spiritual food through Bible teaching and earnest appeals, rather than spending time and resources on worldly news or praise of people. It is supplied through speaking, writing, useful instruction in papers, and through church members who work faithfully during the week sharing their experiences in Sabbath meetings, so their testimonies bring new life and vigor to those present. Each part of the church does its share, with Brother Hughes having a special part in feeding God's flock with spiritual instruction, though the congregation also has a part in making Sabbath meetings profitable. Those overseeing a paper fulfill responsible household stewardship by giving readers present truth and guarding the publication from articles unsuited to the time. Professor Prescott is a vessel filled with the treasure of the Word and heavenly truth and able to share it with the people.

Watching in Ready Service

The faithful and wise servants are those who watch for the Lord's return, not in idle expectancy but by purifying their hearts through obedience to the truth and by joining vigilant watching with earnest working. Because they know the Lord is at the door, their zeal is quickened to cooperate with divine intelligences in working for the salvation of souls. To give the household its portion of meat in due season is to declare the truth now specially applicable, the special warning for this generation including Christ's second coming, just as Enoch, Abraham, and Moses each declared the truth for his own time.

Readiness is shown by supplying the household what it needs at the right time and by continuing the entrusted work, living in constant readiness like servants waiting to open at once for a master coming from a wedding. The steward is entrusted with the solemn work of watching for souls as one who must give an account, set over the household for this service while the Lord is absent in heaven having left His work and interests in charge. The servant found so doing when the Lord returns is called blessed, though the coming is sudden and unexpected and must not find them sleeping. Watching servants are even honored by the master himself serving them, and His waiting people at His coming will not be living in conformity to the world but will be clothed in His righteousness.

The verse presents God's standard and expectation for His sons and daughters to advance in spiritual growth, for where there is life there is growth. Those blessed with great light, especially students, are called to put the whole heart into Christ's service instead of striving in a tame, listless way without religious interest. This means giving others their portion in due season through daily prayer and watchfulness, not only claiming to believe the truth but living the truth and practicing it, with the love of God in the heart and supreme love to God and to those for whom Christ died. Faithfulness means attending diligently to life's duties and serving the Lord with zeal guided by knowledge, feeding God's people spiritual food by precept and example rather than idly waiting. Faith is shown by works, and faithful labor blesses both those who are fed and the steward who serves them.

Greater responsibility brings greater accountability, and those who know their master's will but fail to do it receive greater punishment.

Faithfulness means discharging the duty to preach the gospel of the kingdom to all parts of the earth and to all peoples, tongues, and nations, hurrying because Christ comes to the world after that worldwide witness is given. Every person is a steward with a God-given work who must bring eternity into reckoning and live for God every day, because no one knows when life closes and God comes requiring an account of stewardship. This requires arousing to responsibility, putting away all selfishness, and refusing waste of money on adornment of the body and waste of time on self-serving, since both can cost a soul. Time is to be used to open the Bible to awaken perishing souls ready to die, for Christ died so every soul would become a missionary and not leave the burden on ministers whose overwork comes from burdens others refuse to lift. Keeping the soul clean from all filthiness of flesh and spirit in holiness and fixing the eye on Christ above the benumbing and paralyzing temptations of the world enables that faithful stewardship.

Ministers Entrusted to Feed

Christ appoints His ministers as faithful and wise stewards over His household to feed the church by giving every person timely spiritual food. That household belongs to God, who alone places His servants where He wills, and every minister bears a sacred duty to serve the flock faithfully. Christ cares deeply for His household and seeks to perfect it through the growth and faithfulness of its ministers, who rely on divine power and let Christ's love shape what they do and say. Fitness for this feeding work is gained by varied experience in extended labor in new fields among all classes, which drives the true laborer to God and the Bible for light, strength, and knowledge to be fully qualified. It is gained further by studying the Scriptures and searching for truth with a properly disciplined mind stored with the precious lessons of Christ, so that at any time and in any emergency the minister can draw things both new and old from the treasure-house of knowledge. The portion given must come from a daily living experience and not merely from experience many years past, with continual improvement through study and diligent use of entrusted talents and powers without wasted hours, neglected opportunities, or undone work, lest churches be left sickly and unstrengthened.

Ministers must receive wisdom by feeding spiritually on Christ, with Christ abiding in the soul as a living fountain and formed within, the life hid with Christ in God and growing in grace and knowledge to full stature. Those who feed the flock at the right time serve with hearts filled with heavenly love, unselfish persevering energy, and respect for the ministry of the Word. The steward whom the Master honors represents Christ through patience, kindness, long-suffering love, honesty, self-denial, gentleness, self-control, tender concern, earnest prayer, and unselfish work. Such householders in God's family feed others with timely spiritual instruction and present the reasons for faith carefully, with meekness and sincerity, giving each person an appropriate portion of truth. They do not claim supremacy or control their fellow workers but respect and help one another, since God teaches different people in different lines, and authority never excuses oppression or self-exaltation. Harsh, indiscriminate treatment makes a person unfit to shepherd, and if the steward fails to represent the Master the people may discharge him.

Their watching means watching for souls as those who must give an account, living in constant readiness for the Lord's return and supplying the household what it needs at the right time. They carry new believers as a burden on the soul and look after them instead of leaving them alone, teaching them not to live to please themselves or court praise. A teacher who cannot discern and live out God's truth in his own character is not fit to guide others or provide their portion of spiritual truth, even if he can present that truth clearly. Helpers need a living connection with God so they can strengthen and comfort those in need, bring divine light to those whose way seems dark, and lead them into the fullness of God's light. God can use several ministers, each with a share of the work, and they must be given opportunities to serve rather than one worker carrying the whole burden or assuming success depends on his own ability, for the Lord gives gifts and success and His servants should work together and give Him glory. Those who have received light and opportunities and who obey its principles and walk according to the light will be recognized as faithful householders and entrusted to carry the message, taking the places of those who had greater light but proved unfaithful.

Stewardship of Means and Goods

Money and possessions are lent treasures held as a sacred trust from the Master, to be used faithfully for the work entrusted to the servant and not spent on unnecessary things. Their real value lies only in the opportunity they give for doing good, blessing the needy and suffering, and advancing God's cause, and faithful management brings heavenly reward. Kept with a close, penurious, selfish spirit, money becomes a snare yielding misery, for unless affections are separated from the world and a noble, liberal spirit cultivated, love of the world increases, the deceitfulness of riches corrupts the soul, good is overcome by evil, and selfishness and love of gain triumph, breaking both love to God and love to neighbor for selfish advantage. A wise steward handles entrusted money with God in view for His glory, avoiding impulsive or dishonest ways of making or spending it, so that both business dealings and giving fall within responsibility to God, as was required of Walter. Stewards who use resources for their own purposes, neglect fields needing workers and facilities, or disregard received light and warnings are unfaithful and will be called to account.

Faithful use includes moving out by faith to provide a plain, neat, tasteful and suitable house of worship in harmony with faith, accepting only freely given help. It is called a tabernacle because believers are pilgrims and strangers with citizenship above. The Lord's money is not to be spent on needless adornment, display, extravagance, or self-gratification, nor is debt with its great loss of interest to be left upon it.

The Southern field's meat in due season was the support it needed from the Lord's treasury, which was diverted elsewhere through misrepresentation and misinterpretation. The faithful and wise steward returns to the Lord His portion and devotes means to God's service so His vineyard does not remain a barren waste. He does not use all means at command to supply his own portion of the vineyard with overabundance of facilities, gather more responsibility than he can carry, or follow his own inclinations and wisdom. He counts the cost, studies what course the Lord would pursue, prays over matters, carries out the Lord's principles with clear discernment, willingly and cheerfully binds about his own desires, and unselfishly imparts means, foresight and judgment to fellow workers in hard, destitute, desert places lacking facilities, so they may improve their portion and build up the work in all parts of the vineyard. Because he does not claim what he has as his own but loves his neighbor as himself and does with God's goods, God's own relief fund, as God chooses, keeping God's fear before him, he is declared in the councils of heaven to be a faithful steward trusted to handle His goods, and his works of righteousness become a continual stream flowing to needy portions of the vineyard.

A steward who fails to be faithful and wise misuses what belongs to the Lord, claims it for his own control, and brings dishonor to Him. Riches entrusted for God's work and diverted from human needs and that work make a person unfaithful. The owner's return brings investigation of goods entrusted for a time as a test of fidelity, with God's reward for those who stand the test.

God has made His people stewards of His grace and truth to impart those blessings to fellow men. To neglect to carry the means of life to those perishing for lack of it and to divert entrusted stores to selfish use and gain is unfaithfulness to trust, regarded as robbery and written in His record, while the cries of those left to die ascend to heaven. Even though the entrusted work makes men co-laborers with angels, zeal can abate and selfishness take possession of the mind, and Christians daily repeat this terrible sin. Responsibility to use entrusted means for the cause's needs on the steward's understanding of those needs cannot simply be handed over to an institution or organization. Health-food knowledge and resources entrusted to God's servants likewise must not be betrayed by using them for selfish gain or disclosing them in ways that harm God's work.

Faithfulness in Daily Life

Every son and daughter of God, indeed every person, is a steward entrusted with a God-given work and must bring eternity into the reckoning and live for God every day, for no one knows when life will close and God will come requiring an account of stewardship. God lays present work and present duty upon each steward, and for a man the sacred work laid upon him for today is duty to his family. Taking up today's duties and burdens in the fear of God, making ways and works perfect before Him, wiping out the reproach brought upon His cause, and redeeming the time brings reward, while neglecting that entrusted family work to perform some great work not given brings the reward of an unfaithful steward.

Parents who leave the Christian education and training of their children to ministers or Sabbath-school teachers neglect their God-given trust and prove unfaithful stewards, for which no excuse is accepted. In contrast to the unfaithful steward, withholding compassion from people in need is an unfaithful use of responsibility, and a needy brother is to be treated with practical care by those charged to give the household what it needs at the proper time. Faithful stewardship of the body means learning the laws of life and disease and conscientiously obeying them as part of what the Lord has entrusted. The physician's work exemplifies this trust as the service of a servant of an absent Lord entrusted with the care of others, and it must be careful, refined, and worthy of the responsibility, since careless or inefficient service harms fellow workers and brings disrepute upon the work.

Faithfulness includes devoting the house of worship to educating and training not the elder members alone but the children and youth, teaching them not to live to please themselves or court praise, to guard their hearts with perpetual vigilance and jealousy lest they be estranged from God, and to hunger and thirst after righteousness rather than thirst for human appreciation and honor that would only injure them. It includes moving out by faith to provide a plain, neat, tasteful house of worship in harmony with faith, called a tabernacle because believers are pilgrims and strangers with citizenship above, accepting only freely given help, refusing to spend the Lord's money on needless adornment or to leave debt with its great loss of interest upon it. It includes making sacrifices to contribute to the necessities of the cause without ostentation or display, hiding self in Jesus and walking in the way the great Teacher plainly defined, with inward spiritual perception of the truth that never exalts self but brings self-abasement and lowliness.

Faithfulness means arousing to responsibility and putting away all selfishness, refusing waste of money on adornment of the body and waste of time on self-serving, since both can cost a soul, and using time to open the Bible to awaken perishing souls ready to die. Christ died so that every soul would become a missionary, not leaving the burden on ministers, whose overwork comes from burdens others refuse to lift, and keeping the soul clean from all filthiness of flesh and spirit in holiness and fixing the eye on Christ above the benumbing and paralyzing temptations of the world enables that faithful stewardship. Leading people to act contrary to the Lord's instructions misuses entrusted responsibility and influence and makes a person an unfaithful steward subject to God's judgment unless he repents.